Whether you’re settling a family debate or teaching someone new, knowing the official UNO rules makes all the difference. After countless game nights (and yes, a few heated arguments), I’ve put together this definitive guide to help you play UNO the right way.
Quick Answer: In UNO, each player receives 7 cards and takes turns matching the top discard card by color, number, or symbol. Use action cards strategically, say “UNO!” when you have one card left, and be the first to empty your hand to win.
What You Need to Play UNO
A standard UNO deck contains 108 cards:
- Number Cards (0-9): 76 cards total — one 0 and two of each number 1-9 in each color (red, yellow, green, blue)
- Skip Cards: 8 cards (2 per color)
- Reverse Cards: 8 cards (2 per color)
- Draw Two Cards: 8 cards (2 per color)
- Wild Cards: 4 cards
- Wild Draw Four Cards: 4 cards
UNO works best with 2-10 players, though 3-6 players tends to be the sweet spot for keeping the game moving.
How to Set Up UNO
- Shuffle the deck thoroughly — this is crucial since cards often get grouped by color
- Deal 7 cards face-down to each player
- Place remaining cards face-down in the center as the Draw Pile
- Flip the top card to start the Discard Pile
- If the first card is a Wild Draw Four, return it to the deck and flip another card
Basic UNO Gameplay Rules
Play moves clockwise from the dealer. On your turn, you must play a card that matches the top of the discard pile by:
- Color (red on red, blue on blue, etc.)
- Number (7 on 7, 3 on 3, etc.)
- Symbol (Skip on Skip, Reverse on Reverse, etc.)
If you can’t play a matching card, draw one card from the Draw Pile. Here’s where many people get it wrong: according to official rules, if that drawn card can be played, you may play it immediately. If it can’t be played (or you choose not to play it), your turn ends.
UNO Action Cards Explained
Skip Card
When played, the next player loses their turn entirely. In a two-player game, this means you get to go again immediately.
Reverse Card
Reverses the direction of play. If the game was moving clockwise, it now moves counter-clockwise. In a two-player game, Reverse acts exactly like a Skip card.
Draw Two (+2)
The next player must draw 2 cards AND loses their turn. They cannot play any cards that turn.
Important rule clarification: According to official Mattel rules, you cannot stack Draw Two cards. When someone plays a +2 on you, you draw two and your turn is over. Period. (Though many house rules allow stacking — more on that later.)
Wild Card
Can be played on any card at any time during your turn. When you play it, you choose the color that continues play. The next player must match that color (or play their own Wild).
Wild Draw Four (+4)
The most powerful card in UNO. When played:
- You choose the next color
- The next player draws 4 cards
- The next player loses their turn
Critical rule most people miss: You can only play a Wild Draw Four if you have no other playable cards in your hand. If you’re caught bluffing, you must draw 4 cards instead!
The Challenge Rule
When someone plays a Wild Draw Four against you, you can challenge them. Here’s how it works:
- Announce your challenge before drawing any cards
- The player who played the Wild Draw Four must show you their hand
- If they had a playable card (same color as the previous discard), they draw 4 cards instead of you
- If they legitimately had no playable cards, you draw 6 cards (the original 4 plus 2 penalty cards)
Choose your challenges wisely — the risk is real!
Calling “UNO!” — The Rules
When you play your second-to-last card (leaving you with one card), you must say “UNO!” If you forget:
- Any other player can call you out before the next player takes their turn
- You must draw 2 penalty cards
- You cannot go out that turn
Pro tip: Pay attention to other players’ card counts. Catching someone who forgot to say UNO is both strategic and incredibly satisfying.
How to Win UNO
The round ends when one player plays their last card. That player wins the round. For scoring:
| Card Type | Point Value |
|---|---|
| Number cards (0-9) | Face value |
| Skip, Reverse, Draw Two | 20 points each |
| Wild, Wild Draw Four | 50 points each |
The winner scores points equal to all cards remaining in opponents’ hands. First player to 500 points wins the game. (Many families play single rounds or to 250 for shorter games.)
Common UNO Rules People Get Wrong
❌ Stacking Draw Cards
Official rules: You cannot play a Draw Two on top of another Draw Two to make the next person draw 4. Same goes for Wild Draw Fours. When you’re hit with a draw card, you draw and lose your turn.
❌ Playing Multiple Cards
You can only play one card per turn. Having three red 7s doesn’t mean you can play them all at once.
❌ Drawing Until You Can Play
You only draw one card if you can’t play. You don’t keep drawing until you find a playable card.
❌ Jump-In Rule
Playing an identical card out of turn isn’t in the official rules. If you have the same card as the one just played, you still have to wait for your turn.
Popular UNO House Rules
While these aren’t official, many families play with these variations:
- Stacking: Allow Draw Two cards (and sometimes Wild Draw Fours) to be stacked
- Seven-O: Playing a 7 lets you swap hands with someone; playing a 0 rotates all hands
- Jump-In: If you have the exact same card (color AND number), you can play out of turn
- Draw to Play: Keep drawing until you get a playable card
- No Bluffing: Remove the Wild Draw Four challenge rule entirely
The key is agreeing on rules before you start playing!
UNO Strategy Tips
After years of family game nights, here are strategies that actually work:
- Save your Wild cards — They’re most valuable when you’re close to going out or need to escape a color you can’t match
- Count cards — Pay attention to what colors have been played heavily
- Target the leader — If someone has few cards, hit them with Draw cards and Skips
- Change colors strategically — Switch to a color where you have multiple cards
- Don’t forget to say UNO — Drawing 2 penalty cards when you’re about to win is painful
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you end UNO on a Wild Draw Four?
Yes! You can go out on any card, including Wild Draw Four or Draw Two. The next player still has to draw the cards, even though the round is over (they count toward your winning score).
What happens if the Draw Pile runs out?
Keep the top card of the discard pile, shuffle the rest, and flip it over as the new Draw Pile. Play continues normally.
Can you play UNO with 2 players?
Absolutely! The rules stay the same, except Reverse cards act as Skip cards (giving you another turn). Two-player UNO is surprisingly strategic.
Do you have to play a card if you can?
Yes. If you have a playable card, you must play it. You can’t choose to draw instead.
What if the first card flipped is an action card?
If it’s a Skip, Reverse, or Draw Two, the first player is affected by that action. If it’s a regular Wild, the first player chooses the color. If it’s a Wild Draw Four, shuffle it back and flip a new card.
Ready to Play?
Now you know the official UNO rules — no more mid-game arguments about whether you can stack Draw Twos (you can’t!). Grab a deck, gather some friends or family, and enjoy one of the best card games ever made.
Looking for more game night ideas? Check out our guides on board games for couples and 25 board game night ideas to keep the fun going!
